A respected and established performer, composer, teacher and instrument maker, John grew up steeped in the traditions of Southern England. His unique playing style and compositions convey a deep understanding and passion for indigenous culture. As an experienced workshop leader and teacher, John’s knowledge, experience and enthusiasm combine to make him a much sought-after tutor in academic institutions, festivals, music-camps and academies. He has taught at venues and events including the Australian National Festival, Sidmouth Festival, Ashokan, Goldsmiths University and regularly teaches on the Folk Music degree course at Newcastle University, the World Irish Music MA Course at Limerick University and Southampton University. John’s passion for vernacular music led to his degree dissertation focussing on the interpretation of field recordings, looking at intonation, tuning and expression. With his knowledge of the construction and physics behind the workings of the violin and concertina, and his musical knowledge and approach, he is able to offer a unique insight into the world of music and music making. John has recorded on several films including the Hobbit, as well as the TV series Poldark. He currently performs with the groundbreaking string quartet Methera, in a duo with superb singer and guitarist James Patterson, as well as performing in the English Acoustic Collective, with Dave Malkin in the highly regarded duo Dipper Malkin, in the trio Alma with Adrian Lever and Emily Askew, the highly acclaimed Emily Askew Band, and with Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer in Purcell’s Polyphonic Party. Since returning to the UK in 2014, John has been involved with 5 new albums, personally recording, editing and producing, Alma Varieties, Dipper Malkin’s Tricks of the Trade, and The Emily Askew Band CD Alchemy. John also works with renowned storytellers Hugh Lupton and Nick Hennessey, and has taken part in many international collaborations with artists from France, Sweden, Quebec, France, Ireland, America, Hong kong, China, The Gambia and Finland.
A hugely talented and creative musician, who always makes me want to get out my fiddle and start playing.
I think John is in a league of his own, an amazing musician, composer and player. When I hear John play, I hear the sound of England. The depth he manages to achieve. The lack of clutter. Every note he puts together, nothing in there detracts from what he is trying to achieve. He’s an astonishing player. If we lived in Japan he’d be a national treasure already. He’d be paid by the State to just do what he does. He’s a very special player. I find his music incredibly moving. For me, it’s the sound of England.